Mzuzu to host 2013 PIS launch

Mzuzu Stadium will host the launch of the 2013 Presidential Initiative on Sports (PIS) whose details are still sketchy.

Minister of Youth and Sports Enoch Chihana confirmed the venue, but could not indicate the actual date of the launch which is scheduled for next month.

“It should be noted that there is deliberate policy to rotate the venues of the launch and finals. So, this time around, it will be held in the North.

“Sports Council and its stakeholders such as Football Association of Malawi (FAM), Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) and other associations are still strategising on the competition.

“But we expect to have a wonderful programme this year as has been the case in the past four years,” he said.

Reports show that Big Bullets FC, who are the defending champions, will face Moyale in the launch game.

Sports Council executive secretary George Jana, whose office heads the organising committee, could not be reached for a comment, but two weeks ago, he said they had started planning for the launch.

“Consultations are still going on as we scrutinise reports from associations on how they used last year’s funds,” he said.

Government has also indicated that the sponsorship for the initiative will not change despite cries from associations for a raise.

Since it was launched in 2008, it has remained at K 120 million (about $342 587) and associations argue that there is need for review due to the recent devaluation of the Kwacha.